Light therapy is treatment
with a special type of light that is much brighter than a lamp or other light
fixture in your home. The most common form of this therapy is done with a light
box that contains fluorescent lights (not full-spectrum or ultraviolet light). The intensity of light
usually ranges between 2,500 and 10,000 lux (10,000 lux is about 20 times as
bright as normal indoor lighting).

To use light therapy, you sit at a prescribed distance from the light
box. The amount of exposure you need depends on the intensity of light you use. It could range from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Most lights used in light therapy can be found on the Internet. Look for lights made specifically to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Beware of
manufacturers that market inexpensive light therapy devices that have not been
researched for effectiveness or documented for safety.

Light boxes are the
most common type of light therapy, but dawn simulation is also used. With dawn
simulation, a low-intensity light gradually comes on while you're sleeping,
about 2 hours before you usually wake up.

If you have
any eye problems, talk with your
ophthalmologist before you start light therapy. Also,
make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines you are taking.

Test Your Knowledge

The amount of time I need to sit in front of a light
box depends on how strong a light I use.

Most people
who have seasonal affective disorder become depressed in the fall and winter, when
days are shorter and sunlight is limited. Researchers are still
studying the exact cause of SAD, but some believe lack of light may be the key. Seasonal changes in light may upset the body's 24-hour biological
clock, which controls sleep-wake cycles and other
circadian rhythms. Lack of light may also cause problems with serotonin, a
brain chemical that affects mood. Light therapy helps to
reset your biological clock.

Light therapy, which has few side
effects, is also an alternative to taking medicines to treat depression. It can
also be used with medicines and counseling.

Test Your Knowledge

Professional counseling, medicine, or a combination of
the two may still be needed even if I have light therapy.

Place the light box on a desk or table, and sit in front of it at the specified distance. You can do this while you read, eat breakfast, or work at a computer. The light should reach your eyes, but don't stare at the light box.

Light therapy is usually prescribed for 30 minutes to 2 hours a day, depending on the intensity of the light used and on whether you are starting out or have been using it for a while.

Most light therapy is
prescribed at 10,000 lux to be used in the early morning.
Studies vary as to whether light therapy at other times of the day is less
effective. But some people with SAD (perhaps those who wake up normally in the
early morning) should do their light therapy for 1 to 2 hours in the evening,
ending 1 hour before bedtime. Your
doctor can help you decide which light exposure schedule will work best for
you.

Light therapy is
usually started in the fall and continued through spring.

When you begin light therapy, your first response will show you
whether you need to adjust the intensity or duration. Many people respond to
light therapy within 3 to 5 days. If you don't respond to treatment within the first week, you
may notice improvement in the second week.

The most common side
effects of light therapy include headache, eye strain, and nausea. You may be
tired during the first week because of changes in your sleep-wake patterns, but
this will usually go away after about a week.

Test Your Knowledge

I should receive 10,000 lux of light therapy each
morning for about 30 minutes to 2 hours every day.

Your doctor will help you determine the most
effective amount of time you need to be exposed to light therapy daily. You may
want to start with 30 minutes to 2 hours of light therapy daily and adjust the
time based on your first reaction and reduction of symptoms. You should not
use a lamp that puts out more than 10,000 lux of light at a distance of 12 to
18 inches.

Your doctor will help you determine the most
effective amount of time you need to be exposed to light therapy daily. You may
want to start with 30 minutes to 2 hours of light therapy daily and adjust the
time based on your first reaction and reduction of symptoms. You should not
use a lamp that puts out more than 10,000 lux of light at a distance of 12 to
18 inches.

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